Jordan McRae earns invitation to Kevin Durant Skills Academy

KNOXVILLE – Tennessee guard Jordan McRae has earned an invitation to the Kevin Durant Skills Academy, an event held in Washington D.C. from June 28-30 and hosted by Nike and Durant, one of the NBA’s top players who currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

McRae, an All-SEC selection in 2012-13, McRae led the Vols in scoring (15.7 ppg), 3-pointers made (60), minutes played (33.6 mpg) and 3-point percentage (.355).

Tennessee guard Jordan McRae. (Photo: Billy Weeks)

“First of all, it’s an honor just to be invited to an event like that,” said McRae, who announced in April that he will return to UT for his senior season. “It’s a great opportunity. I’ll get a chance to improve my game. I look forward to seeing how I stack up against some of the best wings in the country.”

The event, which focuses on teaching skills to wing players, is closed to the public, but is regularly attended by NBA scouts. Otto Porter (Georgetown), Tim Hardaway Jr. (Michigan) and C.J. McCollum (Lehigh) are among the projected 2013 first-round picks who were in attendance last year.

McRae is currently projected as a second-round pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, according to NBADraft.net.

“Jordan is most definitely deserving of this opportunity,” Tennessee head coach Cuonzo Martin said. “As a player, it’s valuable anytime you have a chance to test yourself against the best. I know Jordan will compete at a very high level and represent Tennessee well.”

Daniel Lewis covers University of Tennessee athletics for Nooga.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanielNooga